Extra security guards and live monitoring of CCTV are part of a $314 million security boost to protect customers and staff at Services Australia centres.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
It was prompted by a violent attack on Services Australia officer Joeanne Cassar, who was stabbed in the back at Melbourne's Airport West office in Melbourne in May 2023.
Ms Cassar will never fully recover from her injuries.
That stabbing was one of 9000 incidents of aggressive behaviour at Centrelink, Medicare and Aged Pension offices in the 2022-23 financial year, government data shows.
The new security measures funded over two years include money for more than 600 security guards, live monitoring of CCTV at a central security centre, design changes to centres with a high risk of customer aggression and other initiatives.
Former Victoria Police commissioner Graham Ashton reviewed safety at Services Australia centres after the attack on Ms Cassar and all 44 recommendations will be implemented.
Government Services Minsiter Bill Shorten said it was vital to provide a safe environment for more than 10 million people who visit Services Australia each year and its 6200 staff.
"We must ensure customers and staff are kept safe when there is any act of violence or aggression," he said in a statement.
"The security upgrades will help the agency work with local law enforcement to prevent incidents of aggression impacting the local community."
Australian Associated Press
